Fires in Colorado

[Vulcan Grey]

We are having a very dry and hot summer so far, temperatures above 100F and humidity in the single digits. We also had probably the worst winter on record, as far as snow pack depth. Last I heard we were at 7% or normal, last year we were at 800% in parts of the mountains. Keep in mind that the snow that melts off of the Rocky Mountains does not only belong to Colorado, but also all of the down stream cities and states.

Currently we have 7 large fires going in the forests of Colorado. Here's a map, where you can see the locations and perimeter of each fire. The largest being the High Park fire near Ft. Collins, and the worst now being the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs.

https://maps.google....042516,14.27124

High Park fire was over 98,000 acres (153 square miles) last I heard, and close to a city of 140,000. It burned over 220 buildings.

The Waldo Canyon fire forced the evacuation of 32,000 people!!! And burned 340+ houses!

There is also a fire in the city where I work (Flagstaff fire in Boulder), just one ridge away from houses and the rest of the city!

Here is an amazing time lapse video of the Waldo canyon fire from the last few days

[rogerch]

Scary stuff, people don't realise the intensity, and speed of these fires. The aftermath is terrible, nothing left, a whole life's memories just gone.

I take you're OK, I've been thinking of you.

[fmxa]

I remember the Station fire in California a few years ago, until you see a wildfire it's hard to comprehend the destructive power they deliver.

[mayevora]

That's frightening stuff. Amazing how randomly the occational house is left untouched whilst neighbours all around are reduced to ash.

[rocket63]

Scary stuff Travis. Stay safe.

[Vulcan Grey]

Thanks guys, I'm fine!

Some of the Lotus guys here do live very near the evacuation zone in Colorado Springs, but aren't affected yet!

The smoke hasn't been too bad in the cities where I work and live, but some of my favorite hiking and mountain biking trails are closed due to the Flagstaff fire.

I just hope people are careful with fire the rest of the year! Most of these have been started by lightning so far as we know.

[ramjet]

The first still after the video above is quite eerie Travis with the fire visible through the windows of the house.

The huge OZ fires we had didn't come upon residential areas to the same degree as you have in more populated areas.

Stay safe mate.

[DanR]

Feel for you Travis and everybody else.

Michael, the fires we've has on the east coast have had similar destructive consequences. High death tolls and house destructions were tragically recorded.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday_fires

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Saturday_bushfires

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Canberra_bushfires

One of my mates went through it with fireballs destroying his neighbours' houses but not his, which was remarkable. His family took a few years to get over it emotionally and finally moved out, in fear of the next big one.

[GavinT]

Just come back from a trip through Montana and Wyoming. The smoke from Colorado is reaching those states. Terrible thing to see.

[yeller77]

We are spending the 4th in Breck and fortunately enjoying great weather and only diligence over the fire risk, but our son is going to be with friends in Estes Park, much closer to the danger zones. We came through a few showers on the plains so there's hope for a little more moisture on the way at least in the mountains and northern front range. We will be picking him up in Boulder on the 5th to spend the rest of our time in Denver, so it's good to hear you are safe, Travis, especially as there is some news of containment of many of the fires. We've had our share in Oklahoma in the past, what's most fearsome is the fires can travel at the speed of the wind with firefighters racing gusts of 40+ mph at times. Suffice to say with the many fire/burn bans as well as the damage, the 4th will be a bit more somber this year.

[Tony K]

My deepest sympathies and compassion go out to the people who lose everything from devastation like this. Travis -- stay safe.

- Tony

[Vulcan Grey]

Those Australian fires are just huge!

Thankfully there have not been anywhere near as many deaths in the Colorado fires! There was one woman in the High Park fire, who apparently didn't evacuate, and a couple in the Waldo canyon fire, who were seen going into their garage as the other neighbors were leaving. I didn't hear why they didn't leave...

Eric,

Enjoy your time in CO! The mountains will be a nicer place to spend the 4th, I was thinking about hiking the nearby St. Mary's glacier to keep cool. I'm also staying in Estes on the 6th and 7th, and going to a wedding in Lyons.

[GavinT]

A c130 fire fighter crashed last night just south of the Black Hills in South Dakota starting another fire. Sad to learn that some crew members were killed.

Edited July 3, 2012 by GavinT

[Scotty C]

I spent a mouth riding and racing mountain bikes in Colorado and Utah 20 years ago. really beautiful part of the world, I’m saddened by what’s happening.

Take care

[Bloodnok]

Lots of fires popping up here in Utah too, fortunately nothing affecting as many people as the Colorado fires. Good to hear you've been safe Travis. This June tied our record driest recorded with no measurable rain. There's finally some rain in the forecast, but it's spotty and bringing lightning with it so things could get worse. I'll be in southwest Colorado camping for the next few days, fingers crossed it doesn't get crispy.

[Bloodnok]

This one started up this afternoon. Last I heard it's burned about 600 acres in two hours.

[Vulcan Grey]

One of our local Lotus guys did lose his house and Europa in the Waldo canyon fire!

He wasn't able to evacuate the Europa since he had taken it apart to work on a U-joint...

[lotus4s]

Wow, that sucks. Who was that Travis? Everyone ok?

[Vulcan Grey]

His name is Warren, never actually met him in 12 years, but that does suck!

I believe everyone is ok.

[gospeedv8]

Sad to hear such things.

Take care and stay safe, Travis.

[Vulcan Grey]

So now we finally have rain! Though that did cause some flooding, and apparently mudslides around the fire burned areas...